Ms Anne Marie McDonnell:

I thank the Senator for his comments. From our opening statements, he will be aware we have come today in relation to the broader topic of employment strategy but are aware this is a topic of interest to members. The process is ongoing so I am not in position to discuss that exact point. We appreciate the challenges there have been for the men and women the Senator referred to. Rehab Group has looked at how to support people on a personal level in relation to transition. That is one area. Another area to look at is how we understand that people with disabilities face challenges in getting employment throughout all our counties. We have supported people through the options programme, which is also supported by the Department of Social Protection. It helps people who have been made redundant to return to work. Nine people have transitioned into competitive employment from that programme. For many others, it is about supporting an informed decision-making process. Some people have returned to further education and others have made informed decisions that a transition to employment would not be their choice at present. We have supported them in looking at which social welfare payments would be supportive, as well as natural and community supports. We appreciate the challenges that have been there and we are here to talk about all the challenges in relation to disability and employment.